“Instead of authority, millennials value authenticity. Instead of clout, they value courage and transparency.” This is from an Inc. article today about the 3 reasons why MBA program applications are declining. The above quote was under a subheading titled “the new form of influence.” 

Isn’t this interesting? 

In my presentations I have been beating the drum that as generational representation changes in the workplace, so too will values change. 

Just 10 years ago, an MBA had some pull in the job market. Twenty years ago it was a big deal. Thirty years ago it separated the grown ups from the “kids.” Serious professionals went to graduate school! That story line permeated my consciousness and I have the debt and the piece of paper as proof of its power. 

A new day is dawning. Millennials are the most populous generation in the workplace and they are hiring. What do they want to see from prospective team members? More degrees or more followers? Career advancement over time or thought leadership expressed on a blog over time? A podcast that adds to the industry conversation, or another “certification” and even more initials after your last name? 

Values are changing. What is valued is changing. The result is that we also need to change.